Growing up in the late ’70s, two shows were mandatory Friday night viewing for me: The Dukes of Hazzard and The Incredible Hulk.  Granted, I was 8 at the time, but they were still cool.  Those who know me know that I tend to have a nasty temper at times and I found myself during that time saying “Don’t make me angry.  You wouldn’t like me when I am angry.”

So, Rich calls me up to go see Hulk and of course I am agreeable.  After grabbing a quick bite, we found ourselves in the Waterford Lakes Regal, waiting for the movie to start.  For the next two hours, we and the rest of the audience are treated to a movie that exceeded guarded expectations.

Unlike most people, I appreciate the version Ang Lee directed in 2003.  In order to do that, you have to put it in the context of a graphic novel telling a different story (ala Elseworld-style).  What we see in 2008 is what we wanted to see back then.

Yes, the Hulk is all CGI; yet he seems very human and more proportionate to the rest of the world.  For those that loved the TV series, there are several nods to the show, including appearances by Lou Ferrigno and the late Bill Bixby.  The story is kept simple, only adding complexity when necessary.

What I found interesting was the realization that it mirrored the story of King Kong at times: the only thing that could calm the beast was the beauty…

My advice: pay the full price and see it in a GOOD theater; not quite as good as Iron Man, but pretty darn entertaining…